Born at Gananoque, Ontario on 14 February 1887, he came to Killarney when he was six weeks of age, and lived there all his life. On retirement from farming, he became Mayor of Killarney, serving from 1950 to 1959. He was active in the establishment of the first hospital at Killarney, the skating rink, waterworks, senior citizens home, and golf club. In his later years, his primary interest was the local museum that now bears his name, the J. A. V. David Museum situated in the town’s first post office. He was a member of the Killarney Board of Trade (Chamber of Commerce), Killarney Agricultural Society, and Killarney Masonic Lodge. In recognition of his community service, he was given a Manitoba Golden Boy Award (1966) and a Centennial Medal (1970). He died at Killarney on 14 September 1976 and was buried in the local cemetery.